Understanding the New 1099-DA Crypto Tax Reporting

Form 1099-DA, titled "Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions," is an essential new IRS filing requirement poised to transform how cryptocurrency and digital asset transactions are tracked and reported. This form enforces greater transparency and aids compliance in the complex digital asset sector, by mandating that brokers disclose transaction details for cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and other digital assets.

The obligation to report using Form 1099-DA begins with the 2025 tax year, requiring submission to both taxpayers and the IRS in early 2026. Prior to this update, the reliance on self-reported data led to inconsistencies and potential underreporting.

The Role and Effects of Form 1099-DA: With the introduction of Form 1099-DA, the IRS aims to bolster tax compliance and enhance the precision of reporting in the digital asset market. This initiative aims to standardize the reporting process, thereby potentially simplifying tax filings for investors while emphasizing the necessity of meticulous record-keeping.

Who Must File Form 1099-DA? The responsibility to furnish Form 1099-DA lies with "brokers," broadly defined by the IRS to include entities like digital asset exchanges, payment processors, and custodial wallet services. Conversely, DeFi platforms and non-custodial wallets are generally exempt from this requirement.

Who Receives Form 1099-DA? U.S. taxpayers engaged in sales or exchanges of digital assets via certified brokers should anticipate receiving Form 1099-DA starting early 2026 for the prior year's transactions. This encompasses individuals and entities trading, mining, or staking digital assets, and includes real estate agents when digital assets are part of property transactions.

Details Included on Form 1099-DA: Form 1099-DA captures comprehensive transaction data, including:

  • Identifying information for payers and recipients.

  • The specifics of transactions such as asset name, volume, date, time, and gross receipts.

  • Cost basis, which will be mandatory for "covered securities" after January 1, 2026, but remains voluntary for 2025.

  • The asset's holding period.

  • The type of transaction.

  • Transaction fees and fair market value (FMV).

  • Considerations for wash sales concerning tokenized securities.

The content of Form 1099-DA varies by tax year. For example, in 2025, brokers must report gross proceeds from digital asset sales, with cost basis reporting being optional. From 2026 forward, there will be an expanded requirement including cost basis for covered securities and various transaction specifics.

Cost Basis Reporting Challenge for 2025: For the 2025 tax year, brokers' voluntary reporting of cost basis poses a challenge. Taxpayers should maintain meticulous records to avoid IRS assumptions of a zero basis, which might lead to underreporting notices. Comprehensive records are crucial for accurate completion of Forms 8949 and Schedule D.

Special Reporting for Stablecoins and NFTs: Specific protocols exist for stablecoins and NFTs.

  • Stablecoins: From 2025 onward, should qualifying stablecoin transactions surpass $10,000 annually, reporting in aggregate is permissible.
  • NFTs: For specified NFTs, if total sales exceed $600 within a year, brokers must report these, possibly aggregating the data.

Using Form 1099-DA for Tax Filing: Information from Form 1099-DA facilitates tax preparation akin to how stock transaction data is reported using Form 1099-B. This process involves aligning 1099-DA data with taxpayer records to correctly ascertain and report capital gains or losses on Form 1040.

Guidelines for Crypto Investors: With these regulatory changes, investors should diligently track their transactions, potentially leveraging crypto tax software for precision and efficiency. Recognizing possible gaps in broker-reported data, especially around cost basis in 2025, is critical. It’s important to realize that non-reported transactions on a 1099-DA still require disclosure. Staying informed and consulting tax professionals, like our team at New Beginnings One Stop Tax Help, can offer invaluable assistance in this evolving space.

Responding to IRS Inquiries on Digital Assets: For several years, the IRS has posed a "yes"/"no" query on Form 1040 regarding the receipt, sale, or exchange of digital assets. As Form 1099-DA starts capturing these transactions, accurately responding becomes imperative as discrepancies can be scrutinized. It's vital for taxpayers to ensure the accuracy of their responses and the integrity of their digital asset records.

For guidance on incorporating your crypto transactions into your tax return, contact our office for support and insights tailored to your needs.


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